A Car Blog. Only Angrier

Friday, December 09, 2005

Morning News: Biodiesel, Mini

More Biodiesel Confusion
We're not a bright lot. We know it. We're OK with it. For most things we need other folks to explain stuff to us. "Oh! One leg goes in each part of the pants. Well, that's certainly more comfortable." "Oh! Let the scalding beverage cool so that you don't burn your esophagus. Well, that's certainly less painful." "Oh, wait until your significant other leaves before #$%^ing with !@#%$ on a #%$^&* during the #%^&@. Well, that certainly makes for a longer relationship." So, really, we depend on people to agree on things and then explain those things to us. But, no one ever agrees. And most people have stopped explaining things to us. Take, for example, the issue of biodiesel fuel. The NY Times (registration required) has a piece: For a 'Veggie Car,' Grease Is the Word. Oh, biodiesel is good. Yet, Autoblog reports: Biodiesel is the wrong answer. Oh, man! Now we don't know what to do. The urge to have dirty hippie chicks get all excited again when we come around is very enticing. Destroying the Earth, while enticing, is probably bad. Let's ask VW (from Times article):

Tony Fouladpour, a spokesman for Volkswagen, said putting biodiesel in one of its cars could void the warranty.

"We condone the use of an up to 5 percent biodiesel blend, but customers are responsible for the corrosion that may result from using higher blends," he said.

He continued (in our minds): "And the smell of french fries is pretty friggin' gross. Oh, sure, the first whiff is fun... like the whiff you get of gas at the gas station or the wonderful perfume from that Brandy who doesn't call back and, I swear to God, if Laura finds out I'm not going to be able to see my kids anymore. Dammit, how could I have been so stupid?! Is that tape recorder still on?" So, crap, is biodiesel any good? Can someone tell us?

Sure, biodiesel = good, your car is running on waste oil that if you are charming you got for free. Unless everyone wants to run it, then you have long lines at the mcdonalds grease pit.

All those fields we pay farmers not to farm can start growing soybeans to make oil to run in our cars right? Probably not enough for all our current comsumption, but at least we won't have to send soldiers to kansas to make them grow stuff.